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Falling object – Grating fell onto pipe deck

One of our members reports an incident wherein a piece of grating, of size 37×15 cm and weight 3 kg, fell 11 metres from a catwalk onto the pipe-deck below. Whilst there were crew members in the area, no-one was hurt.

The following causes were identified:

  • Insufficient quality control/verification of finished work
  • The weld that secured the piece of grating failed
  • Work management – insufficient following up of work

The following actions were recommended:

  • Inspect grating in derrick and grating in other elevated areas for similar unsupported cut-outs.
  • Ensure the areas around lifting operations are well closed off in all directions. (This was done in this case.)
  • Ensure personnel avoid area below elevated areas when repairs are being conducted.

Safety Event

Published: 31 January 2006
Download: IMCA SF 01/06

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